Advocacy In Action

As Manitoba continues to navigate shifting economic realities, the role of Credit Unions has never been more important. Fusion Credit Union CEO Darwin Johns recently sat down with Ron Kostyshyn, Minister of Agriculture, to discuss the challenges faced by the agriculture industry.

  Shaping Policy on Tariffs and Agriculture

One of the key areas raised with government was the impact of tariffs on Manitoba producers and businesses. “These costs ripple through entire communities, affecting not only profitability but also local investment and job creation," says Johns, who shared further strategies on behalf of Fusion Credit Union for:

•    Tailored tariff relief programs that provide direct support where it’s most needed.
•    Improvements to agriculture business risk management tools, ensuring producers have strong, practical safeguards against market volatility.
•    Recognizing the broader role Credit Unions play by standing beside members and communities every day, ensuring stability and access to capital.

“By bringing the voice of our members to the policy table, we help ensure that programs are designed not just in theory, but in ways that reflect the realities of life and business in Manitoba,” says Johns.

Johns cites the provincial government’s recent $500,000 investment in Dauphin’s Countryfest as a clear example of what happens when policy decisions align with community priorities. “While the announcement is about a music festival on the surface, the deeper story is one of economic resilience, cultural identity, and community fundraising capacity.”

Credit Unions have long advocated for investments that go beyond immediate returns, creating ripple effects that strengthen local economies for years to come. Countryfest’s success — powered by thousands of volunteers and dozens of community organizations — demonstrates the importance of that philosophy.

What sets credit unions apart is the dual perspective.

"We operate at the grassroots level, but we also engage directly with government at the policy level," Johns states. "That means we can connect the dots between everyday community realities and the broader legislative frameworks that shape them."

Advocacy is not about short-term wins; it's about ensuring that Manitoba’s policies and investments reflect what matters most to the people who live here.  This can include sustainable agriculture; strong local business; thriving cultural and community institutions; and a balanced economy that works for urban and rural Manitoba alike.